2013 MODELS

It doesn’t take a full week of press fleet driving to appreciate the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, a model that will most certainly captivate and enthrall even the most experienced automotive writer. I won’t pretend that I’m an expert in all things sports cars, but I’ve had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a half dozen or so high-performance models over the past year including a pair of Porsches. Each drive built on the previous one, providing me with both the connection and perspective needed as I got behind the wheel of the Carrera 4S.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

The 911 is, of course, the pinnacle of the Porsche line. The Carrera 4S isn’t even the most explosive one of the lot — that honor belongs to its turbo and GT3 models. Porsche describes the 911 Turbo S as “the benchmark,” a 560-horsepower beast that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, compared with the 4.3 seconds for the one that occupied my driveway recently. When it was wasn’t on the road, of course.

And my January week with this Porsche was a weird one, even by North Carolina standards. Equipped with low-profile (summer) tires, the 911 tended to clomp around until temperatures warmed up. That meant not taking it out on sub-freezing days, then giving it multiple romps as soon as the weather broke because, by golly, it was going to get real cold again. Fortunately, I completed my drive time before a five-inch snowfall hit, icing over streets and forever eliminating the notion of taking this $138,500 beast anywhere before it was reclaimed by its handlers.

It was in 2013 that Porsche marked the 911’s anniversary, the quintessential sports car that was the successor to the Porsche 356, the company’s first production model. Both models point to the Type 64 or Porsche 64, the first sports car built by founder and engineer Ferdinand Porsche himself.

Mr. Porsche would likely be proud where his namesake brand is today, especially in the 911 and perhaps to a slightly lesser extent in the Cayman. We won’t even mention the Cayenne, Panamera or the upcoming Macan, models that have stretched the Porsche brand and remain “ones that never must be mentioned” by some of the most diehard enthusiasts.

Natty Sports Car

Back to the model at hand. It came dressed in aqua blue metallic and 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped within Pirelli PZero tires. A few of the “extras” readily apparent were its rear windshield wiper, electric folding side mirrors, and painted wheels and wheel spacers.

Under the hood the largest of Porsche’s three horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engines was waiting, displacing at 3.8 liters. On the test model it was paired with a 7-speed manual transmission — the world’s first manual with seven forward gears. It is derived from a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic that brings you up to highway speeds and beyond faster than you can shift the stick.

To Porsche’s credit they haven’t discontinued the manual. There are enough of us out there that prefer to work the transmission and have little interest in auto stick or paddle shifters. Besides, when it comes to shifting, Porsche makes you feel like an expert with its short throw, smooth moving stick. It is the type of manual you wish every manufacturer used, although certainly not at the cost of a Porsche.

Exquisite Cabin, Wonderful Ambience

Slip behind the wheel of the 911 and you immediately make the connection that this model has Ferdinand’s imprint all over it despite it showing up 13 years after his death. Every square inch of the cabin is masterfully crafted with exquisite leathering, alloy trim and handles, highly supportive bucket seats, and a Burmeister audio system that brings Carnegie Hall acoustics to its interior.

Its lone deficiency is what you don’t see when you get in: the strategically placed cup holders that pop out of the dashboard just above the glove box to hold a pair of drinks. They’re made of plastic and are wobbly, worrying me not just once that I might break one. Cup holder layout and design: excellent. Execution? Not so much. The same design was found in the Cayman and I suspect it might be in other Porsche products.

Sport Chrono Package

The heart and soul of the 911 Carrera is the push button panel (enhanced with the sport chrono package) that sits between the transmission stick and the center storage compartment. It beckons you to push each button and begin moving from the standard comfort setting to a sport-oriented (Sport) or enhanced sport (Sport Plus) setting.

The Sport mode puts forth a firmer suspension and heightened engine dynamics, while the Sport Plus raises both another notch and extends it to include enhanced gearbox shifting. An instrument panel performance display and a dashboard-mounted stopwatch are part of the chrono package, adding to the Carrera 4S’ mystique.

With Sport Plus you’ll be summoning your inner race car driver to take on turns in ways you wouldn’t dare try with just any car, marveling at the way the Carrera 4S negotiates every curb with precision and confidence. Also at work is all-wheel drive, what throws torque to the rear wheels most of the time and to the front wheels only when needed. Effectively, it extends an additional amount of grip from time to time.

It was on a handful of backgrounds where the 911Carrera was unleashed. Put another way, it was on those roads where the Porsche taught me the lessons and I was the all-too-eager student.

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All-Wheel Drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Unleashing the Beast

The Carrera 4S shines when SportPlus is selected and traction control has been disengaged. With the manual transmission, you’ll employ quick shifting to reach your top speed; with the PDK you have launch control aiding your cause. The 4S is so fast that you may find yourself still in second gear by the time you hit 60 mph and never higher than sixth gear unless you are on the highway and move to seventh gear to conserve some fuel.

The all-wheel drive system is such that it is barely noticeable, kicking in as you take a sharp turn or are purposely performing donuts or other maneuvers in the parking lot — what you want to do on the track, but can’t when one isn’t available.

Some 911 faithful insist that the latest model with its extended wheelbase and all-wheel drive has neutralized the car, but for the rest of us it is a confidence builder and makes you feel that you’ve tamed the beast. You know what? You’re darn tootin’ right!

Music to My Ears

The 3.8 provides ample sound and power at low rpms. Absolutely, activate the sport exhaust and you’ll enjoy every ripple, belch and toot it serves up, and turning off the Burmeister to absorb the sound from the engine and exhaust, a performance car melody to thrill your ears.

There are two important things that the 911 Carrera 4S does for the driver: 1), it connects you to the history of this sports car franchise, by giving you an appreciation for both the original design and the care its engineers have taken to apply that look to a wholly modern model. And, 2), the Carrera 4S gives you the confidence to push beyond whatever self-imposed limits you may have without being stupid. And if you make a small mistake (and you will), the 911 is so well-balanced that it makes the correction, instructing you on how to improve your drive.

My wife’s favorite vehicle is the Toyota RAV4, an important disclosure I want to get out of the way before touching on the salient points of this crossover utility vehicle. Fortuitously, a 2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited arrived in our driveway the very week her aged RAV4 was beginning to show some problems, giving our family an opportunity to put the new model to a week-long test before we decided whether to buy one or not. Our purchase decision is on hold, but the RAV4 is definitely on top of our “to buy” list, a capable vehicle that is now in its fourth generation.

2013 Toyota RAV4 (copyright Toyota Motors).

Fourth Generation Toyota RAV4

Toyota made significant changes to the RAV4 from the first to second generation, and once again poured its resources into ensuring that the latest model is a hit. The changes between second and third generation models were less pronounced although the RAV4 received an extended wheelbase and gained an optional third row seat for two. The current iteration shares the same dimensions as the last RAV4.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 returns to its traditional five-seat layout. If you need more seats the Toyota Highlander is where you’ll want to look instead, but for most small families the RAV4 has the passenger room and storage capacity that they need. It also provides 1,500 pounds of towing capacity, sufficient to pull your camper.

Front-wheel drive is standard with the Toyota RAV4 and all-wheel drive is optional. As tested, the top-of-the-line Limited was AWD. All models are powered by a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

And it is the larger four that has made all the difference for the RAV4, an engine Toyota rolled out in 2006 when this vehicle was last updated. Its 176 horsepower rating is sufficient for this model and a welcome improvement over the 148 horsepower 2.0-liter four that outfitted the second generation model. Alas, the current generation model also gets rid of the optional 3.5-liter V-6 that was available from 2006 to 2012. Chances are that most people will be satisfied with the lone engine-transmission line up, however.

New, Updated Look

The all-new body shell for the Toyota RAV4 delivers a more upscale and sporty look, bringing this model closer in appearance to the midsize Highlander. Gone is the rear-mounted spare tire and side-hinged hatchback. The spare tire is now found at the base of the cargo floor and the rear door is now a true liftgate design that opens straight up. Guess which layout is favored by parents with packages and children in tow?

Inside, the Toyota RAV4 offers a much more carefully designed and attractive cabin than provided before. The RAV4 Limited is outfitted with SofTex trim what has the look and feel of leather, but uses synthetic materials. Leather trim is reserved for the steering wheel and the transmission shifter.

Rear seating passengers get a 60/40 split bench seat with a fold-down center armrest. In total there are eight cup and beverage holders, and a generous amount of rear storage space. Fold down the rear seat and 73 cubic feet of storage room becomes available.

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A Sensible Crossover With Generous Standard Storage Space

Incorporating Today’s Technologies

Toyota had techno-geeks in mind when designing the RAV4. At the base of the center console, a covered area for a USB port and an auxiliary input port can keep you connected. A “resting” pad keeps your smartphone secure while driving or you can prop up the screen in the adjacent storage tray to view it while driving. That connection point is just to the right of a panel with Eco and Sport mode selectors as well as heat warmers for the front seats.

With a base price of $23,300 for the Toyota RAV4 LE ($24,290 for the XLE; $27,010 for the Limited), this model offers ample standard equipment. Automatic projector beam headlamps, daytime running lights, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels are standard. Inside, keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and two 12-volt outlets are included.

Jump up to the XLE and alloy wheels replace the standard steel wheels. This edition also brings in heated and power side mirrors, fog lights, a tilt/slide moonroof, roof rails and chrome accents above the grille. Inside, dual zone climate control, upgraded seats and a cargo area tonneau cover are included.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Limited and your vehicle is outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate and the SofTex seats. The driver’s seat offers power eight-way adjustment and power lumbar support. The front passenger seat remains manually adjusted across the model line.

The standard audio system for the RAV4 includes a 6.1-inch color display. That system includes an integrated backup camera display and offers an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth wireless. Upgrades bring in SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, voice recognition, text-to-speech, and an available 11-speaker JBL system with the Limited only.

Taking to the Road

On the road, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 performed capably, delivering sufficient power when needed. The transmission shifter can be operated in automatic or sport mode, the latter allowing you to control shifting without a clutch. Handling is good with the RAV4 managing twists and turns of the road with ease. It isn’t a track performer, but it will suit what most people expect in a small SUV. Step on the gas and the RAV4 moves forward with confidence, taking approximately 8 seconds to get to 60 mph from a dead stop. Braking is assured and the cabin is quiet with average engine noise detected.

The Toyota RAV4 stands tall among its competitors. These models include the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5 and the Kia Sportage. Auto Trends has had both the Forester and the Escape over the past year and would rate the RAV4 ahead of the Escape, but just behind the Forester. The Forester’s all-wheel drive system is simply too hard to beat.